Most of my loved ones are aware of my tendency to over-analyze, over-think, and pretty much over-do any sort of situation.
It's the type of perfectionism that has served me well in my professional life... and tends to make any other aspect of my life a little more challenging. :)
After pouring over many more TripAdvisor, travel books and other reviews of St. Lucia, I was starting to realize a few things about a Caribbean trip:
It's the type of perfectionism that has served me well in my professional life... and tends to make any other aspect of my life a little more challenging. :)
After pouring over many more TripAdvisor, travel books and other reviews of St. Lucia, I was starting to realize a few things about a Caribbean trip:
- We would be limited to a handful of islands if we wanted a place with lush scenery and non-resort-type things to do
- Those handful of islands are known for their bugs
- This year is expected to be one of the worst hurricane seasons- which led me to nightmares of major renovations/damages before our trip early next year.
I totally understand that bugs are part of the tropics,
but something about the extreme humidity of the Caribbean- plus the
post-hurricane damage potential - was starting to put the fear of Bad
Vacation in me.
And our last tropical vacation was honeymooning in
beautiful and exotic Bali.... so...expectations are unfortunately a little high.
One of the main reasons keeping us from Hawaii was the assumption that the island would be family-friendly. Not so, grasshopper! The Big Island (where Brendan prefers) is quite spread out, and most definitely not ideal for kids who don't enjoy a couple day trips in the car (read: nobody under 16 years old). Also, hiking, helicopter rides, and beach-going would probably be most enjoyable when we're young and kid-less.
One of the main reasons keeping us from Hawaii was the assumption that the island would be family-friendly. Not so, grasshopper! The Big Island (where Brendan prefers) is quite spread out, and most definitely not ideal for kids who don't enjoy a couple day trips in the car (read: nobody under 16 years old). Also, hiking, helicopter rides, and beach-going would probably be most enjoyable when we're young and kid-less.
Sorry, future kiddos. You're probably going to enjoy trips to US historical sites - or to your grandparents while Mom and Dad explore the world until you're old enough to appreciate it. :)
So I've widen our net from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and am super impressed at the variety of activities and accommodations available on Hawaii. We're still making our final decision, but the deck is definitely stacked state-side!
